By OMON OKHUEVBIE

The Federal Government has offered to increase the hazard allowance of N5000 by 350 percent and 600 percent increments for junior and senior health workers in its health establishments in the country.

The government also accepted to increase the retirement age of Doctors and other health workers from 60 to 65 years and 70 years for Consultants.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, he confirmed that the meeting was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa Abuja, to deliberate on the issue of hazard allowance and retirement age for health workers in government health establishments.

According to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, he announced the new development on Tuesday night after a meeting between the Federal Government and representatives of all the professional bodies and unions in the health sector.

“But we moved from the N5000 hazard allowance per month, which was long forgotten until COVID – 19 struck. During COVID – 19, the government spent about N31billion for three months.

“So, I think the government side has offered things that are very reasonable, increasing the former positions of junior and senior health workers. Junior workers had 350 per cent rise and senior workers had about 600 per cent.”

Ngige said the Federal Government has agreed in principle to increase the retirement age of doctors and other health workers from 60 to 65 years and 70 years for consultants.

Ngige further stated that they agreed that the offers should be left as it is until both parties go back for consultations with their members and return in two weeks time for further negotiations.

“The government side gave them that offer based on the reality that we have on ground, that the economy is not doing very well and the capital component of the budget is actually being funded on borrowing. The earnings of the government have also drastically gone down.

“So, they are going back to their people with the government offer and they asked for two weeks adjournment to enable them to conclude consultation with their members and report back to us.”

Others who were present at the meeting from the government side included the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Enahire, and Ministers of State (Health), Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora; (Budget and Planning), Clems Agba and (Labour and Employment), Festus Keyamo.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Abdulaziz Abdulahi and his Labour and Employment counterpart, Peter Yerima Tarfa were also in attendance. (Daily Independent)

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